D’Angelico Guitars are UNDERRATED

Bob Weir Premier Signature model by D'Angelico full review, mods, and deep dive into the brand.
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0:00 Intro
1:05 Headstock, Nut, & Tuners
3:52 Neck & Frets
6:30 Heel Joint & Upper fret Access
8:20 Body
10:30 Control Layout
12:00 Bridge
12:50 Pickups
18:33 Comparisons
20:45 Finish Issues?
21:00 Checking QC
22:42 Surprise Guitar
26:00 Other Models

[@andrefludd]

-The pickups are “Duncan designed” not Seymour Duncan! The more expensive model has Seymour Duncans. It doesn’t matter to me, these sound great imo!

[@blaineadams7484]

I bought their premier a year ago. It also had duncan designed pickups, but they were humbuckers. Unfortunately they became rather muddy so I changed them out for Duncan's psyclones. Fantastic change. And honesty it was my only hangup on the guitar.

[@robertyboberty]

If it sounds good it is good, Audio 101 :-)

[@justaguy2365]

​@@blaineadams7484 I hear ya. I bought a Premiere Atlantic. The pickups are my only complaint. Will be switching them out soon

[@dickgitaar2012]

I am not really a fan of stacked "P-90's", for me they are HB's and sounding quite dull, have the Bedford the luxe with real SD's , they will go out, no brillance at all, tried the Premier version and the real P-90's do the job much better, even the guiar is abouit half the price of the de Luxe...

[@cjc4765]

John D'Angelico made guitars from 1932 till his death in 1964. When the Beatles came around in that year, me and my friends would take the D train from the Bronx to 48th st. Manhattans "Guitar Row". Manny's was and probably still is the most famous guitar store in the USA. Across the street was Sam Ash and on the corner Rudy's, where Pensa Sur Guitars were made in the rear of the store (and they are beauties, made famous by Mark Knopler).Rudy Pensa also co-wrote a great book about guitars. When looking in the window of Mannys, us kids could only dream of owning (back then they were all American made) a Gretsch White Falcon at an astonishing, mindblowing $600! What? We were lucky we had the 15 cent train fare to get back home. Or a Country Gentlemen at around $400. BUT there was a REAL, hand made by John D'Angelico (the greatest guitar maker in history) for $3000. Of course we had no clue who he was. We knew Gibson, Fender and Gretsch and then the cheapos from Sears made by DanElectro under the Silvertone label (which we ended up with)-:). Putting 3K in perspective back then a brand new VW Bug was about $1500 so you could actually buy 2 Volkwagons for 3K or a new Pontiac Bonniville. But he made 2 custom guitars. Only one is known to exist and it was purchased for 1 million dollars years ago. The "Teardrop"comissioned by Pete Girardi of the group the "Teardrops". When Girardi died in 1992 his family took the guitar to the "Mandolin Bros" music store. They almost fainted when they saw the guitar. Quote from Mandolin Bros owner when the guitar was unwrapped "we were totally speechless, and unprepared for what we were about to see"! Such was the effect of a John D'Angelico custom guitar! It's considered the Holy Grail of guitars. The "New" D'Angelico guitar company was founded in 1999 so a relatively new company. The name was purchased by the owner of Arizona Beverages who had the rights to the D'Angelico name. (John Ferolito) The headstock was the design of John D'Angelico the "Stradivari" of guitar makers. It belongs there and I hope they never change it. Love your Vid!

[@gregfelice1969]

I would highly recommend your channel for anyone searching for a new guitar that's NOT gibson/fender. Really honest, well paced, articulate explanation of a brand and their models. Thank you!

[@demuthjesse]

The heritage and headstock is beautifully elegant and ornate. Not to mention, so New York in an art deco, turn of the century kinda way. The original D'angelco's from back in the day are still some of the most renowned jazz guitars in the world. Another amazing review my man! I'm a queens boy, born and raised and still firmly planted here!

[@andrefludd]

A fellow NYC area man! Thanks for the support!

[@demuthjesse]

@@andrefludd Anyday my man! NY strong baby! I'm really happy I found your channel! I've kinda been addicted as of recent, always checking for a new video! I love to geek out with u when u get a new product! Keep em coming!

[@gearmeister]

I just wanted to comment on the "New York" theme of D'Anglico.. if you guys remember Mel Bay & his instructional books he was pictured with a New Yorker Jazz guitar & that headstock & tuner combo still stand out to me from when I first started learning guitar!

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

I've been playing "pointy" headstock guitars for a long while..now I have the D'Angelico headstock to look at...it's a bit weird to play hi gain, saturated, over driven with that headstock...but it's growing on me :). And the heel joint!! Woooot!! Best Regards!

[@BugGenerat0r]

I really like how you described them as "one is made in one part of Asia, the other is made in a different part of Asia". Some people make a big deal of that difference, even though you can get good and bad guitars from anywhere. Refreshing to see someone actually judge and guitar by its quality and not by its place of origin.

[@andrefludd]

I appreciate your comment thank you :)

[@garlandlabat4922]

Thanks for a great review on the Bob Wier model. I just purchased the Deluxe and it's arriving tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to playing it.

[@fydrautha]

Your insight into small details from a technical perspective is unique on KZbin and invaluable. Great video.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@DrTomoculus]

D'Angelico are what I'm aiming for. They just make classy guitars. Just really beautiful work they do, aesthetically.

[@alxmrls1]

Yet another great in depth review. Thanks for reviewing instruments with so much detail that generally don’t get much attention!

[@andrefludd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RobLeeMusic-vh7ec]

I picked up a Bedford today that was owned by Rick Derringer. I got a few pics of him holding it before I took it home. He happened to be at our local music store with it. It is the same one you showed at 28:50. I got it for $340. It plays great and has a very good sound. I am using it in a Tom Petty Tribute band.

[@lou.yorke.x]

"The Andre Fludd Hudson" has a ring to it!

[@CKS64]

Thank you for the examples of guitar ergonomics. Its nice to have a review whick includes the fit of the guitar.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :).

[@gregorygetable]

Always enjoy your videos. I have 3 D'Angelico guitars. Premiere Boardwalk DC with Humbuckers and one p90s, and acoustic Gramercy. Gig alot with them..love the looks too. Thanks for your videos😊

[@benkatof5852]

Great review as always. I've been an archtop player for the past few years, and the EXL had been on my radar. As an old Dead Head and fan of Kurt Rosenwinkel I knew the brand and almost pulled the trigger on one. I got a Korean made Peerless instead (which I suspect was made in the same factory) and I love it. Same D'Angelico style headstock and tuners, very flat neck radius etc. After seeing this, I will look at D'Angelico again for a solid body. That neck joint - wow.

[@andrefludd]

You have great taste in music my friend

[@curunduraj]

Really digging your vids. Just subscribed to the podcast on Apple.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :).

[@andrewhertzberg6889]

Such amazingly careful reviews. Thank you.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks Andrew! I appreciate you spporting the channel :)

[@IamQuh]

I gotta say your reviews got me to buy this guitar now that's it's available in Europe at a reasonable price and it's a lovely instrument. Don't regret the purchase a bit. Versatile to the point where you have to look up a diagram on how the controls work, comfortable to play, and sounds great. In person the over the top headstock and the colors look quite nice too. Thanks for the in depth review.

[@le_th_]

I'm kicking myself for NOT buying the D'angelico Premier mini DC 2 days ago. It was on sale. I paused for a few hours to think about it and BYE BYE, someone else bought it. *cries* That's how I found your channel... I've never seen a guitar like D'angelico before. It reminds me of home (Manhattan). I should have bought that mini DC, but I hesitated because I was looking for a tele-style and I lost. Enough about me whining... I never realized tall guitar players had so many issues with finding a good-sized guitar. I thought it was just us tiny-hand females (with our tiny t-rex hands and enlarged mammary glands lol). Seriously though, such a great review. You are *so smitten* with that guitar and the TONE is to die for, like aural mana. Intoxicating, the sound they put out...

[@le_th_]

Had to hit subscribe when you stopped and went to get the other D'angelico you love. lol Adorable! You *love* quality guitars!

[@cheezyridr]

i have a premier mini dc that i bought last year. i bought the sweetwater version so i could get the cool finish, pick ups, and locking tuners. i absolutely love this guitar. as soon as it arrived, i did a cursory inspection and dropped it off to my luthier. there was a wiring problem, i was not getting the neck pick up. sweetwater paid for the repair with zero hassle. i swapped out the nut for bone, had them go over the neck. they did a level, crown and polish the ends. they corrected the crooked bridge pick up as well. initially i thought the bridge pick up was ridiculously hot for a guitar like this, but it's so easy to control, it's grown on me. compared to my other guitars, the fretboard radius is a little flatter, and a smidge wider. i'll put it out there, i kinda like the scarf joint. i don't worry about this guitar like i do with the les paul. i have no complaints, it plays fantastic, looks fantastic, and sounds excellent. in terms of bang-for-your-buck, i think this guitar is the uppermost limit. any money you spend on a more expensive guitar will see a diminishing return in what you pay for vs. what you get. you are right i think: this company is under rated

[@sevenswordsx7]

I love D'Angelico guitars! Glad you gave them some attention!

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

I have two D'Angelicos: a Premier Bedford SH (S-S-mini-humbuicker) and an Excel Style B. I bought them both at the Guitar Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. They were both great off the hangers at the GC, and I love them both.

[@williamnichols6253]

I love the matte finish on the body, and one thing that's cool about it is that if someone played it for a lifetime, they'd rub gloss into the wear spots and it would develop a lot of character

[@andrefludd]

Me too!

[@555atU]

I just started guitar and bought the Bedford SH Premier for $400 on Musicians Friend stupid deal of the day. Its nice looking, solid, and sounds good. Glad to see experienced players like you say good things about them.

[@ianhoyle8459]

I’ve got the Les Paul style Angelico guitar and it’s a lovely instrument. I just discovered your channel thanks 😊

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

I love those headstocks. I have a floating pickup jazz from them and it's awesome.

[@robertyboberty]

Glad you've enjoyed this guitar so much. The pickup config reminds me of Robert Smith's modified Jazzmaster from the early days of The Cure. I just got the two pickup Deluxe Bedford, my second D'Angelico, and loving it so far. I think D'Angelico must be among the best modern factory guitars. They really pamper you with the specs and level of care and detail. The frets are polished so perfectly smooth, I will have to polish the frets on my other (some USA) guitars so that they can compete. Anyway thanks for the deep dive, take care

[@vittoriobassi9880]

Looks like the headstock matches the matte finish of the body. That's a nice touch!

[@andrefludd]

It does!

[@UnitedEffect]

I've always enjoyed the tone of P-90's... not at all like the single coil p'ups in a strat. Nice to see a new Bob Weir Signature model by a good guitar company. I'd really like to see a video of your D'Angelico archtop being played. I have a Peerless 17" archtop which is almost identical to it. The only difference is the tailpiece is solid rosewood and it only has a volume knob for the floating mini-humbucker (no tone control). Cheers.

[@ResponseAudio]

Cool guitar. Sounds great! Love the features. Personally, I would have a difficult time with that control layout. I like the volume and tone within a usable distance from my pick hand.

[@andrefludd]

Totally understandable!

[@BlyndCyclopz]

I have a D'angelico Deluxe 175LE in matte wine and it truly is a gorgeous guitar. It plays and sounds divine even acoustically given its hollow body design. Highly recommend

[@motioninmind6015]

Love this review, thank you for your efforts! Have you ever played a Duesenberg? I think they might have a few guitars in their line-up that'll appeal to you

[@andrefludd]

They certainly do and I'd LOVE to try them. I am, however, broke. But hopefully in the future.

[@bpilley]

Duuude, loved the video. I also came across a used 2016 D'Angelico Excel SS in a charcoal burst (mint condition) and bought it based purely on looks and the few KZbin demos I could find. The guitar looks amazing and plays so well. The quality to price ratio was insane. Got it for like 67% off a new model. Bonkers. Also, I'm 6'5" and it feels very comfortable sitting and playing.

[@jamieb7799]

D’Angelico are my absolute favourite guitars. I own the Excel DC semi hollow in the Red Flame Top which is divine. The pickups are just excellent whether it’s clean tones with beautiful clarity or blues with a little gain or more gain for Rock or Texas Blues. This is a versatile guitar. The quality of these instruments are exceptional. The playability is beautiful and they are pieces of art (and yes I love the art deco headstock). I will absolutely be buying the Premier model Bob Weir Bedford Fantastic to see someone who appreciates D’Angelico as much as I do. Great review 😀👍

[@ratwynd]

I have 3 D'Angelico. You might like the neck on the SD. It is thicker than I personally like and is a chambered solid body LP style. The DC Premiers I have are as good as my ES335 Gibson. One is a 12 string, the other is a 6 with P90s. That one is my favorite. Modded with new electronics and a master volume on the lower horn of both, like a Gretsch, they both sing like angels. Lifetime keepers.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks! I'll have to spend more time with a DC!

[@dekrev]

I just picked up a premier DC-12 and couldn’t be happier. We share very similar tastes and desires - after your video I just pulled the trigger on it. I’m impressed - I got a killer deal on it because the bridge puckup was inop- put a duncan 59 US made in the bridge and it sounds incredible- couldn’t believe the neck quality for a 12 string. Killer action for a 12 string! I usually buy US only guitars but this DC is just really well done. Considering a US 12 string is a unicorn and expensive I found the DC used for $400 adding $100 for the pickup and $50 for a rewire and CTS pot upgrade I firmly believe it was a great find. I’m looking at that excel now - haha Thanks for the review!

[@StickMan...77]

Thank you, beautiful guitar, great video.

[@andrefludd]

Many thanks!

[@toreilly100]

Cool channel man!!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@danielhenslee5620]

Late to this. I got the premier mini dc two years ago and love it agree with everything I’ve been blown away by the quality of it and was priced even lower at the time felt like a steal.

[@warrenw6824]

Hey Andre, great review. Very refreshing material in contrast with the big guys. I like that you really go into details about what you like and dislike. A lot of the other channels are very mild about their dislikes, or hardly mention anything it all. Most of their reviews end up sounding the same - the only tell I've noticed is that they give more compliments on the ones they actually really like. Anyway, I'm about to buy a a guitar in month and I was curious what you thought about stacked single coils in general, and mixing them with, say a humbucker. I believe the Delux/premier bedford solid body has a stacked single at the neck and a humbucker at the bridge with two splitters - so you can mimic the sound of (basically) two single coils. Now, a few of my peers have said they recommend guitars that have different types of pick ups. They think have matching sets of HH or SS, is always better. The argument here is that when you mix things up you end up doing two things badly, when you could do one thing well. I'm looking for a versatile guitar that could play indie/jazz fairly well, so I thought having a set up like the Bedford Deluxe solid body would be pretty solid. Curious on your thoughts here. p.s. loved that you covered the semi-hollow bedford, very cool guitar. I would love if you reviewed the Nashvile telecaster that came out last year. It's another one I've been looking at and it seems to be universally praised. Maybe you already have, but I just subscribed yesterday!

[@andrefludd]

Hey thank you for the support. I'm not exactly sure I understand the question fully, but here is my best shot at answering. Generally speaking, the layout a good company puts on their guitar will sound somewhat balanced so I wouldn't worry about that. The only time I've run into issues is when I try to add my own weird combo of pickups. MANY guitars use a mix of humbuckers and single coils and that has been the case since way back in the 1970s so there is certainly no issue mixing humbuckers and single coils. If you like a jazzy neck tone a single coil or a humbucker can work just fine so I wouldn't worry there either. If I got any of this wrong, feel free to shoot me an email and we can talk more.

[@warrenw6824]

@@andrefludd Thanks Andre, you understood it perfectly. I made a small typo which may have made for confusion (my peers said they *didn't* recommended guitars with mixed pickups). Anyway, thanks for the reply ! I will be around!

[@stevenpipes1555]

Yup! I agree on these completely! My good friend has an older single cut, trans black over quilt, with gold hardware and a bixby! Man ive coveted that thing for years!

[@andrefludd]

Sounds like you need to find a good used deal :)

[@stevenpipes1555]

@@andrefludd Someday for sure! Ive got this new PRS to keep me company in the meantime however, so im in no hurry. Besides, im holding out for his! Lol

[@timnewsom6422]

Hey Andre, based on your thorough evaluation, I have ordered one. As a longtime guitarist, I believe that this will fill a tonal gap I have with my guitar 21:58 arsenal, including a strat plus, SG,Epiphone 345, & a PRS hollow body ll.

[@khargrarnrhan209]

I'm into modern thin guitars, I have a Kiesel Crescent 7 strings and a Mayones Regius 7 that are both dirty expensive, but when I discovered The D'Angelico Bedford, I wanted one. They were litterally giving them away for 350€ (half the normal price at the time), so I ordered one immediately. I love it. It's a Premier Bedford with a TOM/stopbar bridge, a humbucker in bridge position and a stacked humbucker (that looks like a single coil) on the neck side. Both are splittable and have separate volume and tone knobs. On thing that I really love is the location of the pickup selector : it's on the atrophied lower horn : that's super ergonomic.

[@andrefludd]

Yep! Fellow Kiesel fan :). These guitars feel similar to me neck wise.

[@MrSDFD18]

D’Angelico Excel and Deluxe models come with Seymour Duncan pickups and Grover tuners. Their components are quality. D’Angelico doesn’t use “Grover style” tuners, or “Duncan designed” pickups like other guitar manufacturers. They use the quality, authentic components that others try to replicate at a lower cost, making profits larger. D’angelico is a USA guitar that just happens to be made overseas.

[@gearmeister]

At last! You're review of the Bob Weir! You were very thorough & highlighted all the great points of this guitar! The only thing I wish about this guitar is that it had a sound chamber like the Bedford. That's why in the future you might review the Vox Bobcat with 3 pickups. You'll see why I like it after you check it out Don't get me wrong, I've still got a D'Anglico on my list! Thanks again, Dr Parker! 😎

[@andrefludd]

The vox is def still on the list :)

[@gearmeister]

@@andrefludd awesome sauce bro!

[@kariharris7006]

I have a Deluxe Brighton with SD mini pups. OMG. Never thought I'd like the minis but they sound SO good. Especially through my Supro Delta King amp. Another guitar you may enjoy is a Danelectro XT. It has a P90 in the neck and a double lipstick hum bucker w/coil splitting. I paid $400 for mine and it really has some killer tones.

[@dreamlifter2701]

You can find D’angelicos for pretty cheap on the used market as well.

[@joebloggs8636]

So here I am watching football and checking you out..iv seen a few of yours and love them..I just subbed you, iv had my eye on this guy too ..I'm surprised you have no link to these .I would have mashed down on that....thank you for interesting review, I look forward to exploring your station .

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for the support!

[@planzed.2]

Maan, what you said about your hands hurting, I’m 51, 6”3 & really starting to struggle with hand pain… we really need guitar manufacturers to remember some of us are just larger & the skinny necks they make many of us just can’t use. Cool video man, I love an offset!! Hope you’re well.

[@andrefludd]

yep! It really is frustrating. I basically have to look for a neck and then the rest of the guitar because every company goes so thin. I talk about this more in my original Parker nitefly video if you are interested.

[@planzed.2]

@@andrefludd 😂🤚🏼 good to know I’m not alone but sorry to hear none the less! Yea man I sub’d to you, great content 👌🏼 thank you! Hope you’re well

[@aarondavis8041]

Hi Andre, Greetings from across two rivers (Brooklyn!) Great video and great channel. I'm wondering how you feel about this guitar a few months later. It caught my eye recently and the tonal possibilities are very enticing indeed. I'm contemplating picking one up, but not entirely sure. None of the NYC GCs seem to have one. Not sure about Sam Ash or the smaller places. Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[@andrefludd]

I still love it! No complaints, good luck finding one, and thanks for your comment.

[@aarondavis8041]

@@andrefludd Huh... so I ended up ordering one of these online and ... a very nice guitar, actually, and I particularly liked the blend knob, but there was an issue with the push-pull function on the neck pickup. When the pot was pulled up, the sound cut out altogether. So I had to send it back. Just bad luck on my part, I guess - yours obviously works fine.

[@MarcinWanago]

Hi Andre. Did you have a chance to try out the DAngelico Deluxe Bedford Semi-hollow with the whammy bar? What's your opinion? Cheers!

[@kylebaker8619]

I have never played a D'Angelico guitar. My favorite local guitar shop doesn't carry the brand. I have always seen their arch tops as nock of versions of gretch and gibsons alike. Since I live in a town and the side of the state heavily influenced by country music and traditional sounding twang, the other side of the state is heavily influenced by bluegrass. This year at the bluegrass, fusion, folk, blues, country's and rockabilly festival (moonshiners ball) many artists played D'Angelico electrics and hollow body's. I was blown away by the amazing tones these guitars produced especially in the non-typical genres associated with the brand. This has opened my eyes to an amazing brand that otherwise I would not have considered. Your review was great!!! I've been researching guitar shops relatively close to me just to go try one of these guitars. I will be bringing enough money I the case that I find it hard to separate from a D'Angelico

[@andrefludd]

Yes! These are very versatile guitars in my opinion in terms of looks but also tone like you suggest. You won’t look weird playing these guitars at a jazz gig, bluegrass, blues, country whatever! I hope you find one you like. If you get a chance, leave me another comment afterward and let me know.

[@kylebaker8619]

@Andre Fludd I have officially bought my 2 new D'Angelicos. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the deluxe DC in satan trans wine as my first purchase of D'Angelico. I was immediately blown away by the looks and the feel when playing. My second, same day purchase was the permire bob weir Bedford. I only played this model just to see if it confirms everything you said about it. I was blown away with its tone and price so much I had to get one. Did I mention I got an amazing deal because of black Friday sales? Thanks again for the review. My favorite guitars have just became D'Angelico. And my new number 1 is my new Deluxe DC. I can't put the thing down!

[@nathanmarineau3993]

No, dude, that headstock is ON! I love that thing. Great vid.

[@frankgoodmanbuzzholland7517]

The occasional reviewer makes you just Dig them right away! It's a trip. I'm getting a D'Angelico, just looking for the appropriate model...thanks, Andre!

[@andrefludd]

I hope you love it as much as I did!

[@whssy]

Would love to see that video where you take the archtop to your old teacher. Also more archtop stuff would be awesome in general. Nowhere near enough content on KZbin about such things.

[@andrefludd]

I am looking forward to that video as well. Hopefully early 2023. He’s a great guy and I miss him.

[@gregfelice1969]

Picked up a style B based on your video. What a hot guitar. Compared with gretsch, epi, Ibanez. Liked it the best by far. Glad I watched your review.

[@jamesmarks9576]

I believe someone already mentioned this - but the headstock was originally for his archtop jazz guitars - which are behemoth affairs and incredibly expensive. The D'Angelico headstock fit that huge guitar well and gave it its ornate, expensive "perceived value" that could really light up in a dark smoky jazz club ... they wanted to stay true to it but I think even the smaller headstock is something of an albatross on the solid body guitars - but its even weighted and doesn't headstock dive ... I just got a D'Angelico being shipped to me (I have 35 guitars already but none with a mini LP style humbucker (as opposed to the Firebird mini), so I got the Bedford (Bed - Stuy for the NYers?) SH Limited Edition ... its arriving in a few days so I may comment then - but great video.

[@cheezyridr]

i have a premier mini dc xt. everyone said they neck dive, but mine doesn't

[@Augrills]

Glad you got yourself an archtop. I’ve heard you talking about them a lot. Sounds good acoustic

[@andrefludd]

I have a couple :)

[@Augrills]

@@andrefludd nice! Maybe once you get this one broke in you can let us know what makes a good one

[@kenziebacklin11]

Love art deco style

[@TheKorpan44]

I picked up the Bob Weir Deluxe. Cannot find the set screw to install the tremolo.

[@Gitfiddle]

I want to say I see early 20th century Art Deco design cues in the head stock and the guitar designs in general for D’Angelico.

[@andrefludd]

Absolutely!

[@KHguitarist]

Hi Andre, love your playing and channel. Where can I get one of those leg rests?

[@andrefludd]

amzn.to/3c7bxwC hope that helps. They are made for classical guitar.

[@KHguitarist]

@@andrefludd Hey thanks, but I meant that bracket that you attach to your electric guitars.

[@jakesmith4506]

Hello Andre, your reviews are great. The Guitar Center observation is pretty spot on. In my area they do have one store that's very well kept and maintains the merch on the floor. They even have a separate room for the higher end guitars. Unfortunately, the other Guitar Centers stores in my area are pretty scuzzy. Everything is either nasty, sticky, not set up or just plain un-cared for. Like the Willy 'Wonko' crew was turned loose in the store after a chocolate eating battle. As far as the D'Angelico guitar is concerned.....GREAT! I have a D'Angelico Premier Series EXL-1 Hollowbody. It's totally awesome. Great craftsmanship and quality. I am very happy with it. After seeing your review I might have to take a closer look at some of the other models they offer. Once again....thanks for the honest review and good MOJO! many thanks from DETROIT!

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for the support!

[@sG_Chimera]

I have a 2022 solid body Bedford deluxe with no play time coming for $1000, super excited. They upgraded the bridge, pickups, and fretboard.

[@andrefludd]

WOw, please share your thoughts when it comes!

[@sG_Chimera]

@@andrefludd will do. They updated to a Wilkinson trem and ebony board. Using SD stacked p90’s instead of the antiquity’s now.

[@gregmock6808]

Great content Andre.....I always thought those had stainless frets, was surprised to hear they're nickel

[@andrefludd]

Yea they don’t have any model with stainless. Would be nice to see

[@mikewhitfield2994]

I absolutely love the Bob Weir version of the Bedford, but then I'm a big Bob Weir fan. The base Bedford is pretty good too. And the headstock . . . I certainly wouldn't say it's a LITTLE gaudy. Great in-depth review though.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

Great review, I have two of them, great guitars.

[@andrefludd]

Which models do you have?

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

@@andrefludd I have a Premier Atlantic with upgraded Seymour Duncan 59s, and a Deluxe Atlantic with SD Antiquities. Both just great guitars.

[@norseman61]

Love these guitars, at least from what I’ve seen and heard. Typically I’m not into real ornate things, but the headstock is to cool to deny. I’ve heard that the headstock design is prone to damage, but that’s a risk I’d be willing to take… some day. Another great video!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@_rafael_b]

I love them both! I remember the Fujita vid you did a few weeks ago and I think I commented on how nice it sounded. The new jazz box you introduced here was really super nice also. I guess the headstock and the ornateness of it could be considered either classy or gaudy. For me it's classy. The tuners remind me of Duesenburg guitars. They use very similar ones and the guitars have a similar sort of art deco vibe as the D'Angelico. For the price, you could spend twice as much on some other brands (cough, Gibson, cough) and still have a lesser quality guitar. Personally, I love the Bedford semi-hollow but I would opt to not have the middle pickup. They get in my way much like the knobs on the hollowbody do for you. As far as the guitars at GC go. I worked at one of those and I can tell you that it is virtually impossible for three or four people to keep 1000+ guitars perfectly set up, in tune, and wiped down at all times. Especially in a busy store. We try, but it's busy work between customers and there's very little time for that. I guess that's the downside of a large store. I loved the video! Thanks for another great one. I'm going to go geek out at the D'Angelico site now. Cheers Andre!

[@andrefludd]

Hey Rafael! Yea, I’ve also worked in the service industry in the past, which is why I did my best to try to not sound like an asshole. I don’t blame the employees at all but I did want to explain my method. Hopefully I didn’t come off too rude.

[@_rafael_b]

@@andrefludd No man, certainly not an asshole. GC gets a lot of criticism and much of it is deserved. It's just sometimes some things are beyond the control of the people in there. You did indicate that in the video. I went in two of them before I left Atlanta and it was a little depressing. They don't have as much of the good, cool stuff as they used to when I was working at one. Bankruptcy has that effect I guess. On another note, that Bedford is really cool. I would buy one if I were in a position to.

[@Kristofererickson]

You should try an Electrical Guitar Company all aluminum guitar. All of EGC’s current guitars come standard with a 1.75” nut width. They are also pretty mind blowing. Aluminum guitars are truly something to behold if you’ve never tried them before. Also, I loved the review!! Keep it up, Andre!!

[@andrefludd]

I’ll check them out thank you!

[@leogolive]

Bro, I have a Premier DC semi hollow. Bought it about four years ago. Man this guitar is the BUSINESS!!!! It's the first semi hollow I've ever owned and man I love this guitar! Everything about it is killer. Even the Duncan Designed pickups sound killer. I'd give up any of my others, but not my D'Anglelico. I'm definitely gonna buy another one.

[@andrefludd]

I gotta agree. Truly underrated brand and instruments.

[@leogolive]

@@andrefludd I forgot to mention also that I got it for damn near half price brand new at GC during Guitar-A-Thon. Like you said it’s around $900. I felt like a lottery winner.

[@andrefludd]

@@leogolive Yep. I see these BRAND NEW all the time for $300-400 off. At that price this is a total steal. It's funny, if you look at my channel, you'll see this and my other D'Angelico guitar video have some of the lowest views. It just goes to show you that people really are missing something here.

[@leogolive]

@@andrefludd You said it!

[@gregmock6808]

I have found two other youtubers who use and review these guitars and both are R&B players...one guy is named Kerry and the other is a young woman and I've forgotten her name. Haven't seen them posting in a couple years though. Landon Bailey from Canada reviewed their acoustic electric 12 string recently which is a beautiful instrument.....there's a used single cut double humbucker Premiere on sale for 600 bucks at a local shop I'm thinking about picking up...it has Seymor Duncan HBs

[@andrefludd]

They seem to be really big into promoting the R&B guys. Their instagram is full of them! I think they could use a little diversity, then again some may also peg me as the same type of player haha

[@nj1255]

You are absolutely right. I played a Bedford Deluxe hardtail (and some other guitars from the Premier series) about a year ago and it was one of the best guitars I've ever played. I have never had the chance to play any boutique Fano/Novo, Heritage, Vigier or really high-end PRS, Suhr etc, but the Bedford Deluxe really felt and played like I imagine a $5.000 guitar to feel and play. The Seymour Duncan pickups also sounded like they were made specifically for that guitar, and not like they were simply from SD's regular collection (even though they are standard SD pickups that you can buy anywhere). When I feel like I have $1.700 to spare I'll definitely buy one.

[@andrefludd]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@jameshernandez1006]

Check the used market

[@jerrygandia2650]

Recently tried one, it's a keeper. Priced a little high.

[@cliffyang3441]

Thanks for giving an in-depth review as always! I've owned a Deluxe Bedford SH for a year and a half now and I definitely agree with all of the pro's you mentioned. This guitar is definitely eye candy lol. However, my Bedford isn't the best with tuning stability. For some reason, it seems to not stay in tune on the G and B strings like most guitars but my cheaper Ibanez ARZ guitar somehow stays in tune better and I'm wondering if you ran into that problem. I'm no luthier but I suspect it's because of the sharp break angle design on the headstock? My Bedford has a Tune-o-matic bridge so trem's not the issue either. I'm also a bit concerned it'll suffer the same fate as Gibsons with the lack of a volute on the headstock, but maybe because it's not a one-piece neck it's ok? Another issue I've noticed is that it has a bit of neck dive both from a seated and standing position, and I think it's a bit more apparent with the deluxe versions because of the added weight on the headstock. Curious to know your thoughts on these points and if you ran into similar issues with tuning stability and neck dive. Besides those points, this guitar is definitely the best guitar I've owned and sounds and feels amazing to play! You've nailed all the points, also with it being an underrated brand it feels extra special owning one haha

[@andrefludd]

I gotta say I can’t relate to any of these issues. I happen to be sitting on the couch playing mine right now. I just picked it up for the first time in 2023 over the weekend and it was almost exactly in tune. Mine has an upgraded nut that is cut really well. That will often make a HUGE difference on any guitar. Also, the offset body should dramatically reduce any possible neck dive. Mine balances perfectly. As far as the potential for a headstock break, I can’t comment on that. But mine hasn’t so far! Haha

[@cliffyang3441]

@@andrefludd Thanks for replying! Nice, glad to know you don't have any of these issues. I'll have to look into getting the nut looked at then! Do you have any recommendations when it comes to searching for upgraded or modified nuts? And odd, it might just be that I have a slippery strap 😛 and yeah, I've been pretty good with guitar care personally so I'm hoping the headstock construction is a non-issue. I guess I'll just have to be extra cautious if I ever have this guitar on stage haha

[@Asshat237]

I really want to try out a D'Angelico. Thanks for mentioning that the Sam Ash near msg keeps their floor models in better shape than GC. I only got back into playing a couple years ago so I've only visited those manhattan locations once or twice. Brooklynite here. The guitar in my little picture is a Japanese 335 made by esp. Do you know anything about japanese guitars? I love them.

[@andrefludd]

Alright so you are into guitar, you follow MMA, and you are from the North East? I feel like we are long lost brothers haha. I've never owned a Japanese guitar, but every time I've played one, they have been outstanding quality. Just as good as the US if not better. They have always had a reputation in the guitar world for being great no matter which brand of Japanese guitar it is.

[@Asshat237]

@@andrefludd I'm 38 and stopped playing in my early 20s until 2-3 years ago. My taste is gear is basically the opposite of yours. Even after I stopped playing I still was going to get a Les Paul eventually because I grew up dreaming of one. I like how they play and how they look, but when I started playing again I started reading on the internet about all their QC issues which I had heard anything about in my youth. Obviously their prices are also a big turn off. But then I started learning about the Japanese copies. Ohhh how I love them. To get really good prices you have to import them yourself. Also, Americans can only buy used because we know all about how American courts protect Gibson's designs.

[@BobSperber]

I’ve been to most of the Guitar Center stores in the Chicago area. The managers say they simply don’t have any budget to buy better or more humidifiers in winter… I have literally seen strings laying down on rhe frets, and even the axes in the high-end room are unplayable. I have vowed to never buy another guitar without playing it first in person. when this chain goes out of business I’ll be sad, but not surprised. [Edited to fix typos]

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Sounds like the neck + bridge is where the money tone is. Overall great sounding guitar, but i dunno i kinda prefer the p90s in the Combinata. Would you say the neck on this guitar is night and day better than the Rivolta? Also you might be able to get rid of some of that hum if you insulate the electronics with copper foil/tape?

[@andrefludd]

They should market that lol

[@cmdxx]

agree 100%

[@tommasobaccan2502]

Id like to play a lot in clean tones and I cant decide between a dangelico premier bedford sh or a classic vibes 50’s strato by squier, any suggestions?

[@WeirdErnie]

I don't have the Bedford, but I have a Deluxe EX-175 and a Deluxe DC and they are the 2 nicest guitars in my collection.

[@andrefludd]

That doesn't shock me at all. They really are underappreciated as a brand.

[@shr3dtalk732]

Really great thumbnail to this vid

[@frankpinn9286]

I got that red one for 450 was amazing highly recommend

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Great video and review. As for your dislike of the sss pickup config, i've heard some people lower the neck down and raise the mid and rear pickups up. Not sure if that will fix your dislike or not.

[@andrefludd]

The dislike is more just me loving it so much and overusing it in the past haha

[@macauley70]

great review.. the volume control is not too much far?

[@andrefludd]

Not for me! I love it there

[@riverstone5994]

Oh man nice edit on the nickel 😂 cracked me up

[@andrefludd]

:)

[@timnewsom6422]

Okay 👍 I got it today and been super charged excited after playing for the first ten minutes. My 35 year old strat is royally pissed. My SG feels neglected. The tonal range is the best of my entire collection, PRS, Fender, Gibson, Epiphone. Now a couple of issues the tremolo bar does not hold up high when I need it , like J beck I like it available high to quickly grab. The main issue is for now the g string is going sharp on trem bar usage. I working with it to fix the issue. The regular version is jut fine just install the loller and save a pile of cash. Playability in the upper registers are impressive. I have been playing for 48 years 3 to 8 his day except emergencies 😢. Thanks Andre! Let me know if you would like some free lessons! Uncle T

[@justaguy2365]

Talking about arm length and discomfort, try resting the guitar on your left leg instead of the right. That puts the guitar closer to where it would be when you play standing and it's much more comfortable. Playing with it on your right leg, tires your right arm out after a while. Whereas on the other leg, you're able to relax your arm more. Edit, this is what folks refer to as classical position

[@bryanwalters9574]

I love D’Angelico. I’ve got an Excel Tour DC. Absolutely love it. I have played some rough floor models at my local guitar center. I think one thing holding D’Angelico back is their branded strings that come stock. They feel horrible and they go rusty. The number of new floor models I’ve seen with rusty gritty strings blows my mind. May be worse out here on the west coast though.

[@filipaerts8997]

D’Angelico strings are Made by D’Addario

[@JNathanielBerke]

I know what you mean about that particular Guitar Center. I'm new to the city from LA and the other day my wife was getting her hair done nearby and I wandered in there. I live near Rudy's in Soho and that's dangerous.

[@andrefludd]

When I was there they let me play Isabella. That was fun. Nice guys.

[@williamnichols6253]

I love "neck pickup only" guitars. You can get bridge pickup sound by picking near the bridge, and the restriction makes me explore sound-through-technique more. I don't know how to make a bridge PU sound like a neck PU with technique, so if you know how definitely show us please.

[@andrefludd]

Roll down your tone knob to about 6 or 7, volume at about 8-9 and pick very close to neck of the guitar right in the area between the neck pickup and the last fret. It isn’t the same thing, but it’s pretty good.

[@williamnichols6253]

@@andrefludd Thanks!

[@podfuk]

I wanted to ask you about D'Angelico archtop, like 10s before you bring it in the video LOL You rocks Andre!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@nayaleezy]

15:58 dam that's a lot of hum in hum free mode

[@andrefludd]

Yea, my domicile is notoriously hum-filled. Keep in mind that I record direct so it's going to be even noisier. In the room through an amp, it is very quiet.

[@daw162]

I've not had any of the premiers, but a gaggle of the excels. I'm not much of a player, but a decent builder. The korea excels are standout guitars - I couldn't make a better guitar for the cost of materials more or less. They may no longer be inexpensive, but I was always able to find one on sale half price new or find one used even cheaper. I've had 6 collings guitars, too - not touting only cheaper guitars (collings are superb, but they also are a lot more expensive than they used to be). The korea models with ebony and mother of pearl and really good binding work are really only a step below the collings stuff, and they're an easy match for anything gibson makes in their standard line (better in my opinion, better workmanship) and far more stable. Out of 6 excel dangelicos (2 nysd9s, same range), only one has needed fretwork as it aged. Gibsons are more like 2 out of 3 and some of them need not just a little fretwork, but really ridiculous amounts.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for sharing! Maybe I can play one of your guitars one day :)

[@illegallystalked3119]

You said in other vids you have setup the 6 screw trems also. I have never had much luck with them. I knew how to keep them in tune by bending certain strings after using them, but i always thought the strings hang up on the saddles or plate. Has that been your experience?

[@andrefludd]

So I can setup a 6 screw trem and I can make it work well. Here’s the thing, it takes 3x longer since there are 3x as many screws to mess with. Also, there is a big range of qualities with 6 screw trems and the cheaper ones really are garbage. Imo it’s just an obsolete design. Yes it can work, but everything else works faster and easier with less margin of error.

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

Would you recommend this guitar for jazzy pop rock and real Jazz?

[@andrefludd]

1000000%

[@alexisromero9569]

I have a doubt. I fall in Love with the Brighton deluxe model, but also with the Gibson Firebird T. In terms of construction, would you say D’Angelico deluxe is equivalent or maybe better than Gibson? Hope you Can answer me Thanks beforehand

[@andrefludd]

In my experience, the quality of D'Angelico is far superior. I'd take a $600 D'angelico over a $1,500 Gibson. But I'd probably go Premier over Deluxe. IMO the differences between Premier and Deluxe don't justify the price difference.

[@alexisromero9569]

@@andrefludd thank you very much

[@kilohotel31]

I love the Art Deco look of the head stocks and details on these. Huge fan, great review. Gonna go see what I can find on reverb Edit: just found a arch top like the one you showed for 550 but its army green with chrome hardware. To cop or not? 😊😊

[@andrefludd]

Oh going archtop? I didn’t know any archtop Lovers watch me. Maybe I should do some acoustic stuff sooner.

[@kilohotel31]

@@andrefludd You make great content I support that decision!! 🍾 🍾

[@ThorsShadow]

Would love to hear your thoughts on NK Guitars and their 2022 7 string models. Their 6 string models basically look like Strandberg copies, but the 7 strings look to be a lot more original. Also, their neck is something between an Ibanez neck and Strandberg's EndurNeck. Similar "assymetric" flowing form to the EndurNeck, but not trapezoid in shaped. Instead more rounded and Ibanez-y.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you for that idea, I’ll try them when I do my Strandberg series which starts January 1st :).

[@ThorsShadow]

@@andrefludd Thanks man. Can't wait. ❤️

[@jonkomatsu8192]

The "Andre" would be my first choice. "Jersey" a close second. Dream big, my friend. Even Rick Beato would have never dreamed of a signature model. Happy weekend all! 🙋🎸

[@andrefludd]

Haha no I don’t like the idea of my name. Well not yet at least :). Maybe after I release some original music.

[@caseylm100]

Bob wire played a lot of “shred” style/ modern guitars in the 80s and 90s. Doesn’t surprised me his guitar would have a thinner neck that can have a low action